"It's very difficult for us to pass down our traditions and lores as we have nowhere really to practise our customs without committing an offence. It's trying to find that balance between modernisation and keeping our culture alive," she said

Cr Heather Morrow said Ipswich's indigenous history and the ensuing waves of migration brought a lot of different cultures together which really "enriched our city".

Ipswich is well known for its industrial heritage but the significance of the Greek cafe culture is surprising.

The presentation exploring the cafes' surprising legacy will be headed by Dr Toni Risson, a renowned local authority on the Greek cafes of Ipswich's past.

"Greek culture embraces coffee and cafe life as a central part of socialising and a way to connect with others," Cr Morrow said.

"The strength of the Greek community is not what it once was though. When I was growing up it used to be that most towns would have a pub on every corner but we (Ipswich) had Greek cafes."